On Saturday, that changed. His once dominating, intimidating and fearsome defense made one big mistake after another.

After an opening drive that resulted in a field goal, Florida State seemed to be right where it wanted to be with a 3-0 lead, and with its defense on the field.

On Clemson's first play from scrimmage, junior linebacker Vince Williams saw an opportunity to keep the momentum going slip right through his hands – literally. Williams was unable to capitalize on a pass thrown right at him, and dropped what was sure to be an interception, and possibly some more Seminole points.

On its ensuing possession, Clemson proceeded to march right down the field for a touchdown. That became symbolic of how the first half would go for the 'Noles.

"We were our own worst enemy a lot of times today," coach Jimbo Fisher said.

Just when the Seminoles thought they were getting the ball back after Clemson's second drive, safety and special teams player Lamarcus Joyner committed a roughing the kicker penalty. This extended another drive for Clemson. That one ultimately ended in a touchdown, putting the Tigers' ahead 14-3.

FSU repeated much of the same on Clemson's next drive, when Terrance Parks was called for pass interference on a third down play in the red zone.

After being bailed out by FSU's defense, Clemson once again finished the drive with a touchdown to take a 21-10 lead.

"We had a lot of untimely penalties today," Nigel Bradham said. "That goes back to discipline more than anything."